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/ Blog, Holiday

HOSTING A COOKIE DECORATING PARTY



Usually every Christmas I host a cookie swap party for a few of my friends but this year London asked if she could have some friends over to decorate cookies, so I decided to swap out the adult party for the kid party. It ended up being such a fun afternoon that we all talked about how it should become a yearly tradition. And, I absolutely love to entertain so I am all for the idea of making it a yearly get together.
Bake the cookies in advance- One cold Saturday London and I spent in the kitchen baking all the sugar cookies that the girls would decorate. London is really into baking right now so any chance I can get her in the kitchen she loves to join. Plus, it’s such a great way to teach her about measurements and I think it helps her appreciate food a little better. I highly suggest baking the cookies in advance if you can. This way it puts less stress on you to bake everything the day of the party. I just froze the ones we baked and took them out of the freezer the day of the party to soften up a bit. I knew the theme I wanted right away for the party was classic santa and all red and white. I found this cute red striped tablecloth at Target in the gift wrap section and knew it was perfect as the centerpiece and then I actually put kraft paper down on the table itself so the girls could get as messy as they wanted and I wouldn’t have to worry about the wood table. I visited the Target dollar section quite a bit before the party and picked up the most darling Santa plates that I set out for each girl along with a Santa spatula to decorate with. I also went to Hobby Lobby where I picked up white aprons for each girl to use and take with them after the party but you could also find these on Amazon as well. I wanted to make sure each girl had the same amount of sprinkles, same amount of icing, and same amount of cookies so I put everything together for them  before they started decorating and had it all ready to go on each of the tables. I also bought these brown kraft food trays and put a scoop of red and green icing in each one and put some cookie cutters out on the table for decoration. For the moms I made this really fun and festive Champagne drink and a cheese platter. At the end of the party each of the girls wrapped up their cookies and were able to take home their aprons, plate, and spatula if they wanted. It was such a fun afternoon and definitely got everyone in the holiday spirit. I can’t wait to do it again next year.

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/ Blog

THE CYBER SALES GUIDE TO KNOW


The biggest shopping day of the year is finally here, Black Friday is up and ready to go. I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite shops and items they have on sale. My mom and I usually love to go out shopping this day, we go out early, get coffee, and head to a few of our favorite stores mostly to browse but it’s always fun to see what’s on sale. If you’re looking for some great basics and even if you’re looking for something fun like these Madewell mules that I picked up, this is the perfect weekend to do just that. My sweater and shoes are also on sale for 40% off, this is one of my most favorite sweaters of the season, it’s so soft and cozy and comes in several fun colors.
 

MADEWELL | 25% off site-wide with code DEALWITHIT 

 

J CREW | 40% off site-wide with code TOGETHER 

 

MANGO | 30% off site-wide with code BLACK18

 

BANANA REPUBLIC | 50% off site-wide, discount automatically applied

 

SERENA & LILY | 25% off site-wide with code CELEBRATE 

 

/ OUTFITS, STYLE

AFTER 5 YEARS I FOUND A PAIR OF TALL RIDING BOOTS






For the past 5 years I have endllessly tried to find a pair of tall Cognac riding boots that I love and want to wear all the time. Each year I’ve ordered a pair or two only to send them back for one reason or another. Usually, they are too tall and uncomfortable, they are too wide around the calf, the leather slouches at the bottom near my ankles, or the color isn’t what I am wanting. This year, I went on the hunt again for a pair of boots and surprisingly found some. I looked at these Tory Burch boots for weeks trying to decide if I wanted to pull the trigger or not and then Shopbop had a sale. The boots ended up being 25% off so I decided to go ahead and try them and they are exactly what I’ve been searching for all this time. I love the color and the heel height of the boot plus they are snug enough to my leg and don’t have that weird leather crinkle at the bottom toward the ankle. This will be a great week to purchase some boots if you’ve been on the lookout with all the black Friday sales taking place. I just noticed these boots are on sale now as well at Nordstrom.

Tory Burch Boots/ J.CREW Blazer(old) similar/ Madewell Denim/ Sezane Bag

PHOTOS BY: SHANLEY COX 

/ STYLE, STYLE NOTES

FAVORITE COATS FOR THE SEASON


Sharing some of my favorite coat looks right now for Fall and Winter. I always seem to love the Fall wardrobe a little more than any other season and I think it’s because I am a bit obsessed with coats. I love all types of styles from a trench to a nice wool look to a belted look. I think a coat can easily elevate any outfit depending on the occasion and I’ve never been one to wear the same coat over and over every day. Of course I think it’s always important to have a classic black coat like this one and a nice camel colored in your closet. Then the rest just become fashion coats at that point but there are some really cute ones out there this year. This topcoat from J.CREW is perfect if you have a couple classic coats but are wanting to add something fun for the season, it comes in lots of fun colors and isn’t too heavy.

PHOTO BY: SHANLEY COX

/ STYLE, STYLE NOTES

GO GET THESE ITEMS AT J.CREW NOW 40% OFF


Popping in here on a Sunday to let you know about a great sale happening at J.CREW right now until tomorrow night at midnight. Currently: coats, sweaters, and boots(certain styles) are on sale for 40% off. This is a great deal considering Fall is here and it’s time to stock up on those cold weather essentials. There are so many great pieces right now that are certain to carry you over for the next 6 months. If you are in need of a new Winter coat then go get it now because they rarely go on sale once the Fall/Winter time hits. I absolutely love this Topcoat for those cool Fall days when you don’t want something extra heavy but need something to take away the chill. I bought the dark moss color about a month ago but it looks like it’s almost sold out, but there are so many color options in this coat. I also love this coat as well plus this heavier winter parka.  I pretty much live in a coat every single day when it’s cold since I am in and out of my car for work so I don’t mind buying a few new coats each year because I wear them every single day and all day long. I am sure I have way more coats that I would ever need, but move me some place where I don’t need a coat, and then we can talk. I picked up this mockneck sweater in the mushroom color and am completely obsessed that I want it in every color. If you are looking for a great sweater for the season that is cozy, warm, and stylish then go grab one of these now. I promise you will not be disappointed. This is going to be so easy for work to throw on with pants, and for the weekends it will be worn with jeans and boots. The sale lasts until tomorrow night and you can use code BUNDLEUP and get 40% off. Linking some of my other picks as well, go take advantage of this sale.

 

/ Blog, STYLE, STYLE NOTES

FALL INVESTMENT PIECES


Fall is a Season I definitely like to be more intentional with when it comes to the items I am buying. Maybe it’s because I know these are items I will be wearing at least half the year if not more, and this year it seems we will have a short Fall I am afraid. Our temperatures are already cold and it’s only the middle of October. During the week I pretty much live in sweaters and pants for work but on the weekend I live for comfy jeans, a sweater, boots, and a cozy coat. Last weekend we purged our closets and it was such a great feeling. I had so many pieces of clothes that I was holding onto for whatever reason but decided just to get rid of mostly everything. I basically went with if I didn’t wear it last season then it went to the donation pile. I have a few items I will put up to sell on Poshmark and you can follow me here if you’re interested but most things went to donation. Whenever I am thinking about investment pieces I always fall back on a few thoughts: how many times throughout the season can I wear the item? Will the item still be classic for seasons to come? What can I put with the item? If I can pretty much wear the item all season and for seasons to come then it’s an investment pieces in my book even if it means paying more for the item. I’d rather pay more for an item I know will be relevant a few years from now versus buying something cheap only to throw it away next season. These are my top investment items for Fall.

A classic coat– I love this Italian Wool coat from J.CREW, it’s just warm enough to wear with sweaters and long sleeve tees but also doesn’t make me look like I am wearing 20 layers of clothes. The dark moss is such a gorgeous color too for Fall and Winter.

A structured bag– I love a good leather bag and one that will last for years. I had been on the lookout for a new work bag and researched for months several different styles. I love the structure of this bag and the quality plus it’s seriously very light considering it’s leather. I’ve had two computers in here at one time and it still felt very light.

A good sweater– Cream or white sweaters are my favorite shade to wear during the colder months. I love this sweater with jeans and riding boots. It’s classic, warm, and uber cozy.

A pair of riding boots– Nothing beats a good pair of classic riding boots that you’ll have for years to come. These boots hit in the right place on your calves plus the color is insanely beautiful. I have honestly looked for new riding boots for the past 5 years with no luck. They either hit me in a funny place or the boot would crinkle that it would drive me crazy. These are honestly the perfect riding boot.

A classic pair of denim– If you’ve been following this blog for a while then you know I love Madewell Denim. It’s always my go to when I am looking for a good pair of jeans.

J.Crew Coat/ 2. Cuyana Structured Tote/ 3. J.Crew Sweater/ 4. Tory Burch Riding Boots/ 5. Madewell Denim 

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